James Bany

James Bany passed away on May 15, 2025 at the age of 76 in Napa, California after battling lung cancer. He was born on December 18, 1948 in the Washington Heights section of New York City and later moved as a child to Great Neck, Long Island. James graduated from Great Neck North High School in 1966 and shortly thereafter joined the United States Air Force, where he worked as an aircraft engine mechanic.

In 1973, James moved from New York to San Francisco where he met his wife, Kay Witt. He joined the San Francisco Carpenters Union working as a journeyman and later became a field superintendent on high-rise projects throughout the Bay Area. James shared memories of walking steel beams 30 stories above downtown San Francisco, surrounded by mist-filled skies. In the 1990s, he began a new career as a State Licensed Hospital and School Inspector, working with Bay Area healthcare facilities, including Queen of the Valley Hospital in Napa.

James and Kay moved to Napa, California, in 1978 where they raised their two sons, Cyrus and Adam. James shared his love of the outdoors with his sons—camping, bicycling, golfing, skiing, and gardening were among their favorite activities. He also taught them to be good cooks. James enjoyed staying fit at the gym as well as building and flying model airplanes. He and Kay remodeled and restored numerous homes in Napa, including their own 1870s farmhouse in the Victorian district of downtown Napa. Together, they enjoyed several European vacations, cruises, and trips to Hawaii.

His family will miss his love and support, and all who knew him will remember his warmth, friendliness, and sense of humor. His life was a life truly well lived.

James was preceded in death by his mother, Despina, and his father, Christopher. He is survived by his brother Ted, his wife Kay, and their two sons, Cyrus and Adam, along with their wives, Jessica and Tenille. James cherished his family and loved spending time with his grandson, Mathias, and granddaughters, Ayla and Elin. He is also survived by his niece, Carrie, and nephews, Peter, JB, Paul, and Matthew. 

Family and friends are invited to attend his funeral on June 9, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Tulocay Funeral Home in Napa. His burial will take place later at the Sacramento Valley National Cemetery in Dixon, California. James will be forever remembered as a devoted husband and father.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to James’ favorite charities - St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital or Tunnels to Towers. Condolences and special memories of James may be sent to www.tulocaycemetary.org.

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